August 2017 - The Dental Place

August 21, 2017

Any time a tooth experiences trauma, there is a possibility that the roots of the tooth have sustained damage. Infection can occur resulting in possible tooth loss. There is a procedure that can be done to save the tooth, and that is endodontic therapy, more commonly known as a root canal.

Symptoms that a root canal may be needed include discomfort when biting down, sensitivity to temperature, and/or swelling of the face or jaw. Treatment should be rendered as soon as possible as infection can lead to an abscess, a pocket of infectious material that can spread if not treated.

The root canal process begins with a dental x-ray of the infected tooth. An x-ray identifies the number of roots involved and their position. Each root must be treated; failure to reach all roots can result in procedure failure and the need for retreatment.

The dentist will segregate the tooth to keep the area dry. The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic and an access point is created in the tooth. Endodontic files will be used to penetrate each root removing all the root’s contents … blood, pulp, nerve, and infection if present.

Once all roots have been treated, your dentist will determine the best way to seal the access point. For molar teeth, generally a dental crown is used. Your dentist will want to make sure the tooth has been successfully treated before placing the crown. A temporary will protect the tooth that has been prepped for a crown. Another option to seal the opening is with a tooth colored composite resin.

If infection was present, the dentist may place an antibiotic in the canals and/or prescribe an oral antibiotic depending on the severity of the infection.

A crown is often made from porcelain which will be fashioned to match surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color. Once the crown is cemented in place sealing off the access point, the root canal process is considered to be complete.

A dental crown made from porcelain is stain resistant and strong. Your protective crown is made to last for many, many years. Caring for your crown is the same as all your teeth … brush twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and see your dentist every six months for cleaning and exam.

To learn more about the root canal process or to schedule an appointment, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today.

August 7, 2017

When an adult loses one or more permanent teeth, there can be numerous problems associated with that loss. The ability to chew properly can limit what can be eaten; we rely on our teeth to form sounds allowing us to pronounce words correctly; and an individual’s self confidence can be severely eroded when put in a position of eating or speaking in public. Tooth replacement with dental implants provides a very viable solution.

The first step to resolving lost teeth is a consultation with your dentist. The overall health of the patient is reviewed followed by a thorough dental exam. Dental x-rays will be taken to determine if sufficient bone strength is present; lack of jaw bone does not necessarily eliminate the patient’s candidacy for dental implants … but additional treatment may be needed to enhance bone to help ensure a successful implant procedure.

When the decision to move forward is made, the dentist will surgically place the small titanium implant in the gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. The use of titanium has multiple advantages … titanium is less likely to be rejected. And this alloy has been proven to be a metal that allows bone to fuse so that it will become a permanent part of the dental anatomy acting much like the roots of a biological tooth.

Over a healing period of months, jaw bone will fuse to the implant, a process known as osseointegration. Once healed, an abutment will be attached to the implant. A final restoration will be bonded to the abutment completing the process.

That final restoration has been made to match surrounding teeth in size, shape, and shade making this cosmetic enhancement undetectable. But its appearance is almost secondary to its functionality. You will be able to eat all the foods you love; and you will speak clearly once again without fear of your replacement teeth slipping or moving.

Caring for your dental implant is the same as what you do for all your teeth … brush twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss every day to remove what your toothbrush missed. And it is important to keep appointments with your dentist every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your self confidence and peace of mind are permanently restored thanks to dental implants.

To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our team at The Dental Place today.